Next Post
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
The best honey mustard salmon, ready in just 20 minutes. This easy salmon is topped with a sweet, savory, and spicy honey-mustard that bakes into a golden crust. Simple and fast, but don’t let that fool you — it’s still completely delicious. Serve with a side salad, steamed rice, or a simple baked potato for the perfect weeknight dinner.
Here we go — 2026!
While I’m not usually someone who changes everything on January 1st, I know so many of us are craving recipes that feel a little cleaner and more nourishing this time of year.
There’s something about these early January days that always feels fresh. They’ve inspired me to make warm winter salads, cook more seafood, and focus on getting lots of beautiful winter color on the table each night. I kind of love it.
To kick off our month of nourishing recipes, we’re starting with the simplest, most reliable salmon. My theme for this month — and honestly, for the entire year — is back to basics.
This salmon takes just minutes to prep and only minutes to cook. It’s easy, dependable, and so, so good.
You’re going to love it!
Here are the Details
Ingredients
-
Smoked paprika
-
Chipotle chili powder
-
Garlic powder
-
Onion powder
-
Salt and black pepper
-
Honey
-
Whole grain Dijon mustard
-
Salmon fillets
-
Fresh thyme
Kitchen Tools
You’ll need:
That’s it.
The Steps
Step 1: Mix the Honey Mustard
In a small bowl, combine the raw honey, whole grain Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
I love the added spices here — they balance the sweetness perfectly and give the glaze a subtle warmth that reminds me a little of our favorite honey chicken.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season lightly with salt, then spoon the honey mustard mixture over the top, spreading it evenly across the fish.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Bake the salmon at a high temperature for a shorter amount of time. This method gives you slightly crisp edges with a tender, flaky center — perfect every single time.
Serving
I love finishing this salmon with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and an extra drizzle of honey. So simple, but so delicious.
We usually serve this with roasted broccoli, a big winter salad, and either rice or potatoes — but honestly, there are so many great options.
Looking for other easy weeknight dinners? Here are some favorites.
Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon
Sheet Pan Blackened Salmon Bowl with Potatoes and Avocado Goddess Sauce
Crockpot Korean Inspired Tacos with Yum Yum Yummm Sauce
Sheet Pan Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Feta and Olives
Lastly, if you make this Honey Mustard Salmon, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
20 Minute Honey Mustard Salmon
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 53 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 6 (6 ounce) salmon fillets
- fresh thyme, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, paprika, chipotle powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.3. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season with salt. Spoon the honey mustard evenly over each fillet.4. Bake 10–12 minutes, until cooked through. For extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely!5. Finish with fresh thyme and flaky sea salt. Serve warm and enjoy!
This post was originally published on January 2, 2026
This was an easy meal to put together. I would say the flavor was ok. Not my favorite HBH recipe.
Hi Patty,
Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, sorry to hear it was not enjoyed!
I ran out of Chipotle Chili powder so could only add about 3/4 of a teaspoon, which ended up being the perfect amount for my taste. Love how fast and easy this recipe is!
Hey Joanna,
Happy Friday! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe and your comment, so glad it was enjoyed!☃️
2 teaspoons smoked paprika plus 1 teaspoon of chipotle chili powder was way too much of a smoky flavor. I recommend people use regular paprika and regular chili powder for this dish.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, sorry to hear you did not enjoy the seasonings.
Not the best!
Sorry to hear you did not enjoy this recipe, Beatrice! Thanks for giving it a try!
Excellent, so quick and easy!! Wonderful flavor. We loved it. Delicious with coconut rice and asparagus thrown onto the cookie sheet, drizzled with oil and a little seasoning. Huge thanks for all the creative and inspiring recipes that keep those of us who love to cook every night inspired.
Thanks so much, Kym! Love to hear this recipe was enjoyed, I appreciate you taking the time to comment!
Very good! My family and I really enjoyed this. I put the sauce over one large slice of salmon instead of 6 individual portions. Easy and delicious.
Hey Jennifer,
Perfect!! So glad to hear your family enjoyed this recipe, thanks a lot for making it!
I noticed on IG that you used way more than 2 tbsp of mustard. I was just curious the reasoning 🙂 I love mustard!
Hi Jean,
Just measured with my heart:) Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it!
Is salmon has skin on, is it best to skin it before or after baking ? I always have a hard time
Hey Emily,
Either way, usually the skin comes over pretty easily after baking:) Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks!!!!
Veryyyy sweet
Thanks for the feedback, Michelle! If you want to try again, you can certainly reduce the honey to your liking.
I almost didn’t make this because the reviews weren’t very positive. However, my family loved it. It was simple and had good flavor! Definitely will be making again!
Hey Sarah,
Yay!! Love to hear your family enjoyed this dish, thanks for giving it a try!
My whole family loved it! Easy and delicious!
Hey Jennifer,
I appreciate you giving this recipe a go, great to hear it turned out well for you!
I made this salmon recipe for our dinner tonight and they were delicious! I added some fresh herbs on top as well 🙂
Hey Allysa,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try and sharing your thoughts, so happy it worked for you!
Will not be a repeat in my home.
Sorry to hear this, Sara. Thanks for trying the recipe. If there is anything that I can help with, please let me know!
This was ok but the honey & mustard did not go well for me, too sweet. I tried asking questions to clarify but they were not approved. 🙁 oh well
Hi Brenda,
Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback. Sorry to hear it was not enjoyed. Please let me know what the questions were, as I do not see them currently. Again, my apologies!
Hello, I will try again. On Instagram you used way more mustard than what the recipe calls for. You also said that you did not have whole-grain mustard so you said that you put some type of seed in it instead. Did you use mustard seed? I know that you say to follow the recipe, but I don’t understand why there are inconsistencies on Instagram versus your website. Could you please provide some clarity?
Hi Brenda,
Sometimes when I go to make the recipe for IG, I might run out of ingredients. I just use what I have to make the recipe work, but in general, I am following the recipe. There is no need not to follow the recipe as written:) I hope this helps!
Not a fan!
Sorry to hear this, Doug. If there is something specific that I can help with, please let me know!